Ngā mihi aroha ki te Mareikura, moemai moemai moemai rā. It with deep sadness that I send my love and best wishes as we say goodbye to our beloved Ruth. I will always remember her strength and wisdom and she will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Arohanui ki te whanau pani xxxxx

It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to my beloved aunt, who left us last week. Her passing last week has left a void in our lives. Her spirit will forever remain in our hearts. As we gather to remember her, let us celebrate the beautiful memories our large family created together as many of us grew up in Kawerau. We can all remember many family gatherings events at each other’s houses, and the Cole’s place in Onslow Street and at the Lake at Pop’s Place. Thank you for being such a wonderful aunt and for all the ways you touched our lives. We will carry your spirit with us always and strive to honour your memory by living with the same grace and compassion you embodied. Rest in peace, Ruthe. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

We all know aunty Ruth loved glamour—if it had sequins, feathers, or a bit of sparkle, she was all in! She could turn a plain piece of fabric into something fabulous and as a child i would watch her for hours feed organza through the machine She may be gone, but I bet right now she’s adding sequins to the angels' robes. We will miss you auntie Ruth.